> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://armorsmith-designer.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Resolve Installation and Launch Errors in Armorsmith

> Fix DLL errors, blocked installers, black screens on first launch, and other installation or startup problems in Armorsmith Designer.

Installation and launch errors in Armorsmith Designer are most often caused by missing system runtimes, antivirus interference, or an incomplete download. The fixes below cover the most common scenarios — work through whichever applies to your situation.

<Warning>
  If you see a DLL error at launch, you need to manually run the Visual C++ Runtime installer bundled with Armorsmith Designer. Run the following file as an administrator:

  `C:\Program Files\Armorsmith Designer\System\VC_redist_x64_2022.exe`

  After the installer completes, restart your PC and launch Armorsmith Designer again.
</Warning>

<Accordion title="DLL error when launching Armorsmith">
  A missing DLL error on launch means that the Visual C++ Runtime or DirectX components were not installed correctly during setup.

  To fix it:

  1. Open **File Explorer** and navigate to `C:\Program Files\Armorsmith Designer\System\`.
  2. Right-click **VC\_redist\_x64\_2022.exe** and select **Run as administrator**.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
  4. Restart your PC, then try launching Armorsmith Designer again.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Installer won't run or is blocked">
  Security software sometimes flags the Armorsmith Designer installer as suspicious because it is not a widely distributed signed package. The installer itself is safe.

  To work around this:

  1. Right-click the installer file and select **Run as administrator**.
  2. If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning, click **More info → Run anyway**.
  3. If your antivirus blocks the installer, temporarily disable real-time protection, run the installer, and then re-enable your antivirus.
  4. If the issue persists, re-download the installer from [gumroad.com](https://gumroad.com) to rule out a corrupted download, then try again.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Black screen on first launch">
  A black screen right after launch — especially following avatar creation — is almost always caused by an invalid body measurement entered during setup.

  To recover:

  1. Go to **Avatar → Reset Avatar** in the menu bar.
  2. Restart Armorsmith Designer.
  3. Re-enter your measurements, making sure all values are realistic and in the correct unit system (inches vs. centimeters).
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Missing DirectX error">
  The Armorsmith Designer installer attempts to install the required DirectX components automatically. If you see a DirectX-related error, the automatic install may not have completed successfully.

  To fix it:

  1. Visit the official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime page and download the latest installer.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
  3. Restart your PC and launch Armorsmith Designer again.

  Make sure your GPU drivers are also up to date, as outdated drivers can cause DirectX initialization failures.
</Accordion>

<Note>
  **Minimum system requirements for Armorsmith Designer:**

  * **OS:** Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
  * **CPU:** 64-bit processor
  * **GPU:** DirectX 11 compatible graphics card
  * **RAM:** 2 GB minimum (4 GB or more recommended)

  Armorsmith Designer is a Windows-only application. macOS is not supported at this time.
</Note>